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WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
September 21, 2009
CD 9A2009
The Weld County Council met in regular session in full conformity Wiith� the `8
Weld County
Home Rule Charter, Monday, September 21, 2009, 6:30 p.m., at the Weld County
Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Greeley, CO. u
ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by President John Kivimaki. Vice
President Perry Buck, Councilmen Don Mueller and Charles Tucker were present,
constituting a quorum of the members. Councilwoman Buczek was excused. Also
present was Commissioner Sean Conway, Judy Griego, John Kruse, Randy Peif, Joy
Brewer, Lorena Wertz and Karla Ford, Council Secretary.
PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.
APPPOVAL OF AGENDA: Councilman Mueller made a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Buck and carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilwoman Buck made a motion to approve the August
17, 2009 minutes. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tucker and carried.
SPECIAL UPDATE: Randy Peif, ACS, informed the council of the current county
software computer upgrades and will send a memo regarding ways the council can
upgrade software on personal devices. The County Council does not have county
issued computers or software.
REVIEW PROGRAM:
County Commissioner Conway updated the council about the budget related to Human
Services. The department is currently trying to find ways to do more with less by using
innovation and technology. The budget is also subject to what happens at state level.
There is a large shortfall at the state level, and currently do not know how that will affect
this area at this time. Commissioner Conway introduced Judy Griego, Department of
Human Services Director.
Ms. Griego and John Kruse, Assistance Payments Manager, gave a two -fold update
presentation. A handout showing the organizational chart and general information was
distributed to the council.
In 2008, the Board of County Commissioners merged the Weld County Division of Human
Services with the Weld County Social Services. There are 379.79 FTE which is 450
employees. The major departments that fall under this new department is Child Support,
Child Welfare, Assistance Payments, Legal Services, Head Start, Area Agency on Aging,
Employment Services, Common Support and Business/Fiscal. Greeley has a new
building campus/office and later in the year, Employment Services will also be moving to
this campus. There is also a Fort Lupton office which has an assistance payment center
and Child Welfare/Protection Office. Southwest has also has a Child Welfare/Protection
Office in Del Camino.
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2009-2846
Weld County Council Minutes
September 21, 2009
Page 2 of 4
After spending time merging the two departments, a mission statement and goals have
been created. The mission is "We are an innovative organization that provides
comprehensive and responsive services to the Weld County Community, always
exceeding performance expectations." This is a work in progress and the first goal is to
strengthen services.
There are six major goals that have been set for the department:
*To continuously strengthen services and support innovation that leads to a culture
that empowers people to improve their quality of life.
*Develop and deploy consistent performance management approaches across the
Human Services Department.
*Establish a systematic structure of effectively communicating inside and outside of
the Human Services Department.
*To prepare for the future by identifying appropriate actions to opportunities and
challenges that may impact the Department of Human Services.
*To develop a means to clearly and effectively communicate the value of Human
Services programs to any person inside and outside of the organization on a
continuous basis.
*To develop and reinforce "best customer service" standards and commitment
within all employees and partners of the Weld County Department of Human
Services.
Mr. Kruse presented the council with a handout regarding caseload and trend information
on the following areas:
Area Agency on Aging Division — The number of clients has increased as well as the
caseload for keeping people in their homes without going to a nursing home.
Assistance Payment Division — The caseloads have gone up with the exception of
Colorado Works, the numbers have decreased. Department is trying to help with
diversions - immediate needs- and help keep people off monthly assistance. The food
Assistance/Food Stamps number has gone up due to the economy. In response to seeing
misuse of food stamps, the department encourages residents to contact the Department
of Human Services to make a report.
The Welfare Fraud cases have increased. In calendar year 2008, the total amount of
public assistance claims established and the prevention of public assistance being paid
out due to client error or fraud equaled $988,479. Several cased have been sent to the
District Attorney for prosecution.
Child Support Division — The number of cases has increased and the unemployment
collections, which are the funds taken out of unemployment checks and given for child
support, is continually rising.
Child Welfare Division - The number of cases for out of home services in 2008 was 803,
which totaled 1,184 children. The number of finalized adoptions was 68. In response to
Councilman Tucker's question regarding cost of a child in child welfare system, Ms.
Griego stated in more difficult children it can range from therapeutic residential child
care facilities of $5,000 per month in -state and up to $11,000 per month for a
Weld County Council Minutes
September 21, 2009
Page 3 of 4
therapeutic residential facility out of state. There are a few children that are extreme
cases and put in these facilities.
Employment Services Division — There are more people coming in looking for
employment. In the Employment First Program, the number of clients has increased to
71.6% from December 2006 through December 2008.
Head Start Division — this current year, there has been a gradual decrease in seasonal
and migrant workers coming in and those numbers have been reflected in the handout.
The program did meet the needed enrollment numbers. Per Councilwoman Buck's
question regarding refugees and this program, Ms. Griego stated that refugees fall under
a different category as they are legally able to apply and receive any assistance programs
Weld County offers. They have certain period of time once they enter the United States
to become legal citizens. They have federal coverage to accept services from assistance
programs. The county does not receive any federal reimbursement for those services.
SHORT RECESS: The council took a shod recess.
NEW BUSINESS:
2010 Budget
A memo outlining the budget meeting times was distributed to the council. Councilman
Mueller will represent the council at this meeting.
Email from County Resident
An email from a county resident requesting an investigation into the policy of using
county facilities was distributed and discussed. The council reached a consensus not to
investigate room use policies. Councilman Kivimaki will send a response letter to the
resident.
Ditch Burning Issue
Per the request from the August 17th council meeting, information regarding the ditch
burning charges in Northern Colorado was distributed to the council. The Greeley
Tribune article stated the charges had been dropped.
Web Page Demo
The secretary presented the pending new web page for the Weld County Council. The
council approved the web page with a few changes.
Notebook Update
The secretary distributed an update for the Council Notebooks.
Coordinator Reports
Councilman Mueller attended an elected official/department head meeting regarding an
update on the H1 N1 Swine Flu. Councilman Kivimaki and Councilwoman Buck also
attended this informative meeting.
Upcoming Meetings/Invitations
The Council was informed about the following upcoming meetings: NCEDC and Big
Thompson Watershed Forum on September 22, Water Wisdom on September 25,
United Way CEO Advisory Council Meeting on September 30, CO Water Officials
Association Meeting on October 8 and the Town/County Dinner on October 29.
Weld County Council Minutes
September 21, 2009
Page 4 of 4
Payment of Bills
Councilman Mueller made a motion for the bills to be paid as listed below:
Mileage for Councilman John Kivimaki $ 47.70
Mileage for Councilwoman Perry Buck $ 36.04
Mileage for Councilman Don Mueller $ 13.25
Mileage for Councilman Charles Tucker $116.60
Office Supplies $ 6.37
Water Wisdom Registration — C. Tucker $ 15.00
The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Buck and passed.
ADJOURNMENT: By acclamation the meeting wjs adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
October 19, 2009
J9hn Kivimaki, President
aria Ford, Council Secretary
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